SWEETWATER CHOICE FOR CFO DRAWS CRITICISM

Controversies over credentials, financial advice raise questions

Current Yuba board members were reportedly shocked in September to learn of the interest payments, and said they had trusted Alt and the district’s former chancellor with providing them with sound advice before approving the bond measure.

Xavier Tafoya, a 12-year member of the board, said board members relied on Alt’s expertise, which up until that time had not failed them.

“When he started doing finances, we were very impressed with him because he had all the answers and was very succinct,” Tafoya said. “I don’t think he deserves all of the blame. We’re all big boys, and we should have asked more questions of him and the administration.”

In the South Bay community, Alt’s hire has been met with opposition from critics who believe the district can ill afford controversy, as four board members are targeted in a public corruption probe by the District Attorney’s Office. Two have pleaded not guilty, and two have yet to enter pleas.

“In my opinion, Sweetwater has to be like Caesar’s wife: pure as driven snow,” said Kevin O’Neill, a member of the district’s bond oversight committee who said he hopes the hire works out. “If we accept that Mr. Alt is an honorable man, there is still the perception problem that either the district has a tin ear or did a really poor job in the vetting process.”